December in Salina, Kansas, is pure magic. From twinkling lights to community gatherings and cozy nights at home, our small city knows how to celebrate the holidays with heart. Whether you’re a lifelong Salinan or just visiting, here are 10 must-do activities to fill your December 2025 with joy, tradition, and that unmistakable Salina holiday spirit.
1. Drive around town to see the Christmas lights
Bundle up, crank the holiday playlist, and cruise neighborhoods like Highland Meadows Hamlet, Magnolia Hills, and River Trail. You’ll definitely want to catch the 4th annual Edgehill Elves (on Edgehill Road between Marymount and Seitz) and the Georgetown Santas near 2312 East Georgetown Road (check our Calendar of Events for dates and times). And don’t miss the beautiful lighted downtown area. We highly recommend hot cocoa in travel mugs for an evening of enjoyment!
2. Attend Mistletoe Melodies – Ugly Christmas Sweater Edition at Tony’s Event Center (Dec 19)
Put on your tackiest holiday sweater and head to Tony’s for the Salina Area United Way’s biggest party of the year! Enjoy a delicious dinner, festive drinks, live and silent auctions, and high-energy entertainment from HiFi Dueling Pianos. Every dollar raised stays right here in Salina, strengthening our local community through the United Way’s vital programs. Tickets sell out fast—this is the feel-good event of the season.
3. Assemble a hot cocoa bar at home
Grab a few kinds of cocoa, marshmallows, peppermint sticks, whipped cream, caramel sauce, and maybe a little Bailey’s for the adults. Set it up on the kitchen counter and let everyone go wild. Bonus points if you use the fancy mugs you only break out once a year.
4. Do a random act of kindness
Pay for the car behind you at Scooter’s, leave quarters on the laundromat washers, drop off treats at the police or fire station, or shovel an elderly neighbor’s sidewalk. Salina’s small enough that your kindness will ripple further than you think.
5. Bake Christmas cookies (and deliver them)
Sugar cookies with icing, peanut butter blossoms, snickerdoodles—whatever your family tradition is, crank up the Christmas music and bake a double batch. Wrap plates for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, and the mail carrier. It’s the Salina way.
6. Attend a Christmas church service
Whether you’re looking for quiet candlelight services, family-friendly sermons, or traditional holiday hymns, Salina area churches have something for every style and schedule. The music, the message, and the soft glow of candles make it a perfect way to pause and remember what the season is really about.
7. Attend the Mayor’s Christmas Party
Join the mayor at the Salina Fieldhouse on Friday, December 12, for a free evening full of Holiday cheer! Enjoy a delicious pancake meal, wear your favorite PJs or Christmas sweater, make crafts and meet Santa himself for photos and holiday cheer! It’s the perfect time to make special holiday memories!
8. Catch “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” at the Theatre Salina
Theatre Salina goes all out every December, and 2025 brings the Grinch to the stage. Max the dog, the Whos, and that growing heart—it’s hilarious for kids and secretly moving for adults. Grab tickets early; this one will sell out fast.
9. Host a Christmas movie marathon at home
Fire going, pajamas mandatory. Suggested lineup: Home Alone, Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Holiday, and cap it with It’s a Wonderful Life (because Bedford Falls feels a little like Salina on a good day).
10. Host or attend a New Year’s Eve party
From house parties with champagne toasts at the VooDoo Lounge, the Stiefel’s big NYE bash, or a chill night with friends and board games—ring in 2026 surrounded by the people who made 2025 worth it.
Bonus Activity - the Streets of Bethlehem come to life!
Here’s a free bonus activity to get you in the true spirit of Christmas – Trinity Lutheran Church and Christ the King Lutheran Church present a real life depiction of the Streets of Bethlehem. Experience the sights, sounds, and wonder of Bethlehem on the night of Christ’s birth, complete with live animals and nativity scene.
Start a new family tradition at Trinity Lutheran Church (the corner of 9th & Crawford), December 6, 7, 13 and 14, from 1pm – 4pm.
As the final days of 2025 fade and the lights start coming down, take a minute to soak it all in. Salina does Christmas in a way that feels genuine—no over-the-top commercial frenzy, just neighbors, traditions, and a whole lot of heart. Here’s to a December filled with warmth, wonder, and plenty of reasons to love calling Salina home.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🎄
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